TORONTO, MAY 25, 2022 - As the war in Ukraine continues, the need to support displaced Ukrainians has become a worldwide effort. On the heels of a recent announcement made collectively by a group of Canada’s largest private and public rental housing providers, Hazelview is stepping up to help Ukrainians fleeing the conflict by providing access to housing and household items they need to make it their home.
Leveraging learnings and previous experience from an earlier program for Syrian refugees, Hazelview has been able to act quickly to ensure the needs of displaced Ukrainians are met. To date, more than 50 suites from Halifax to Winnipeg have been provided through the company’s housing support program and work remains underway to provide additional suites.
Kseniya and Alex arrived in early April from Ukraine and are one of the families who have settled into a new apartment through the Hazelview program five days after arriving in Canada. “My husband and I just wanted to say thank you for your help in finding a place to live. We love it a lot and are so happy that we were able to find such good people as you are,” says Kseniya.
Hazelview team members across the country are also stepping up to help these newcomers in as many ways as possible. In fact, one of Hazelview’s most recent employees is a newly arrived Ukrainian who not only found accommodation with Hazelview, but employment as well. From collecting and storing donated items, making financial contributions, assisting with employment search, and delivering household items, Hazelview team members are pitching in. One team member’s partner is handling frontline communications in Ukrainian for those that do not speak English.
“I think this project and movement is amazing. It is another reason why I am so proud to be part of the Hazelview family,” says Diana Swift, Property Manager, Hazelview Properties. Swift is just one employee who is helping with these efforts.
“I am incredibly proud of the Hazelview team for coming together to support this program and the Ukrainians who have been hit the hardest by this conflict,” says David Melo, Managing Partner & President of Hazelview Properties. “We remain committed to supporting displaced Ukrainians arriving in Canada for as long as they require it.”
"UCC-Toronto would like to thank Hazelview for providing housing assistance for people fleeing the war in Ukraine and those who are experiencing hardships in settling in a new country,” says Petro Shturyn, President of The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Toronto. “This is a true example of Canadian spirit and hospitality in a time of need."
To ensure these families have what they need to begin a life in this country, Hazelview has also tapped into their deep roots in communities across Canada. A fundraiser was launched to help purchase household items and other necessities for newcomers. This includes items such as strollers, baby diapers, bedding, as well as furniture and appliances.
Those who donated to the GoFundMe page are automatically entered into a raffle to win an original painting from Toronto artist Ric Santon, who donated the painting entitled Imagine Peace, born from the inspiration of Yoko Ono and John Lennon's work as peace activists back in 1969.
ABOUT HAZELVIEW
Hazelview is an owner, developer, and manager of global real estate investments committed to creating value for people and places. We are an active investor, with a hands-on team that identifies opportunities to invest globally. We are committed to fostering the long-term growth of our employees, residents and the investments we make for our clients. To learn more visit hazelview.com.
For media inquires: Stephanie Turner, Proof Strategies for Hazelview, [email protected], (416) 969-1670
For Hazelview program details: Jasmin Pirani, Director CSR, Hazelview Properties, [email protected]